Hiding behind a seat… Suspect Tazawa of “Yamatorino,” seen “on the run” one month after his “tehepero” gesture, as he is released on bail

Her first public appearance in about a month

Around 3:30 p.m. on October 20, Rino Tazawa (27), known as “Yamatorino,” emerged on foot from the service entrance of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Harajuku Precinct.She was dressed casually in a loose-fitting, light-gray long-sleeved top paired with dark-gray wide-leg pants and white sandals. She was holding a smartphone in one hand.

Reporters had been waiting for her in front of the Harajuku Police Station since early that morning, but her expression was hidden by her mask.Without so much as a glance in our direction, she quickly got into the waiting car and drove off, remaining hidden behind the driver’s seat. It was a stark contrast to her defiant demeanor just one month ago, when she repeatedly made bold statements in front of the cameras—

Defendant Tazawa, a top hostess who was also active on YouTube, has been released on bail. Her bail bond is reportedly 2.5 million yen.

Defendant Tazawa was arrested on September 15 at her apartment in Minato Ward, Tokyo, along with her boyfriend, defendant Kota Fukumoto (28), on suspicion of possessing 0.4 grams of cocaine. During a search of the residence, in addition to the cocaine, authorities seized smoking paraphernalia and 21 plastic bags containing white powder.

“Subsequent urine tests reportedly showed that both individuals tested positive for ketamine in addition to cocaine, and ketamine components were also detected in the plastic bags seized from their home.

On October 6, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors’ Office indicted Tazawa and others on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Law for possession of ketamine. The following day, October 7, they were re-arrested on suspicion of using cocaine and ketamine,” said a reporter from the crime desk of a national newspaper.

Immediately after her arrest, while being transported, defendant Tazawa made a hand gesture that could be interpreted as “I will not bow to authority,” and when she was sent to the prosecutor’s office, she stuck out her tongue and winked in a “tehe-pero” pose.Although she is said to have maintained an attitude toward the police that could be described as provocative from start to finish, she apparently cooperated fully with the investigation.

“Regarding her behavior at the time of her transfer to prosecutors, she reportedly stated something to the effect that ‘I did it because I was mentally very unstable at the time.’She also reportedly said regarding the bag seized from her home, ‘I was afraid that if I threw the bag away, it would be discovered.’ There are also reports that the plastic bag—which was described in the media at the time of her arrest as a ‘bag containing white powder’—was actually an empty, used bag.

While she showed a timid side, it was reported that regarding the allegations of cocaine and ketamine use, she remained silent, stating, ‘I want to speak with my lawyer’” (the aforementioned reporter).

What Happens in a “Cocaine Possession” Case?

Behind the arrest lay the existence of top hostesses like the defendant Tazawa. Recently, the Roppongi hostess club scene has been particularly in the spotlight, and some popular hostesses—who earn enormous incomes based solely on their beauty and wit and even admit to using illegal drugs—have become “role models” for young people.Among them, it is believed that the arrest of defendant Tazawa—who is also active as an influencer and wields significant influence—served as a “show of force” because reports of her drug use had surfaced.

Regarding Ms. Tazawa’s future, former narcotics enforcement officer Ryoji Takahama offers the following perspective:

“The fact that Ms. Tazawa was granted bail this time suggests that she has admitted to the charges and that there are no additional offenses warranting further detention for investigation. I believe she will be indicted in the future for her use of cocaine and ketamine as well.

What raises questions is that, although he was initially arrested on suspicion of possessing approximately 0.4 grams of cocaine, he was indicted only for possession of approximately 0.024 grams of ketamine.

The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office appears to have explained this by stating that it was “based on the evidence available at this time.” It is possible that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the two individuals jointly possessed the cocaine, leading the office to temporarily defer a decision on those charges.“How the prosecution will rule in the future regarding the charges of cocaine possession and drug use—that is what I believe is the key point to watch in this case.”

Defendant Tazawa’s attitude had completely changed from what it was immediately after his arrest a month ago. He may have realized that he can no longer escape the crimes he committed.

*“FRIDAY Digital” welcomes tips and information from our readers. Please submit information via the form below or through our official X account.

Tip-off Form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips
Official X: https://x.com/FRIDAY_twit